The 'Common Quaker' (''Orthosia cerasi'') is a
moth of the family
Noctuidae. Some authors prefer the synonym ''Orthosia stabilis'' (
Denis & Schiffermüller 1775). It is distributed throughout
Europe.
This is a variable species, the ground colour of the forewings ranging from greyish to orangey brown, sometimes with a broad dark band. The most distinctive features are two large
stigmata, each edged by a narrow pale line, with a similarly coloured subterminal line. The hindwings are drab grey or brown. The
wingspan is 34-40 mm. This moth flies at night in March and April and is attracted to light and sugar.
The
larva is bright green with yellow markings and feeds on various
trees and
shrubs including
apple,
buckthorn,
elm,
oak,
pear,
poplar and
willow as well as various ''
Prunus'' species. The species overwinters as a
pupa.
# ''The flight season refers to the
British Isles. This may vary in other parts of the range.''
References
★ 'Chinery, Michael' ''Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe'' 1986 (Reprinted 1991)
★ 'Skinner, Bernard' ''Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles'' 1984